Mutsvangwa rebukes Tagwirei, says he must “go back to Chitepo School of Ideology”

HARARE – Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has escalated his criticism of controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, saying the aspiring political figure should “go back to the Chitepo School of Ideology” following remarks that were widely interpreted as xenophobic. This comes after Tagwirei, speaking during a Zanu-PF inter-district rally in Harare this week, suggested that foreigners should not operate shops in Zimbabwe ahead of local entrepreneurs. The sentiments drew a firm response from Mutsvangwa, who on Thursday dismissed any anti-foreigner sentiment and stated that Zimbabwe remains “open for business.” Addressing journalists in Harare, Mutsvangwa rejected what he described as a xenophobic interpretation of Tagwirei’s statements, warning against positions that resemble anti-immigrant movements such as South Africa’s “Dudula.” He stated that Africans are not foreigners in Zimbabwe and said any concerns involving non-nationals must be handled legally rather than through broad condemnation.

“Don’t go about saying we don’t want foreigners in Zimbabwe, Hatidi Dudula muno,” Mutsvangwa stated, using a Shona phrase that translates to “We don’t want ‘Dudula’ here,” in a direct reference to the South African anti-immigrant movement. Themba Gorimbo hammers ‘reckless speaker’…Nov 21, 202541,609 Mnangagwa’s belief in a “safe successor” is misguided and…Nov 14, 202525,285 Mnangagwa’s belief in a “safe successor” is misguided and… Reports suggest looming cabinet shake-up amid push to extend…Oct 20, 202526,721